Power: The Strength We Often Forget

As I was reading a book on training by David Otey and Joe Drake, I came across a passage that made me stop and reflect:

“Power training might be the most undervalued aspect of resistance training. Although the benefits of strength training are becoming more well-known, few are preaching the benefits of performing strength-based movements with speed. This could be the fastball from the mound of a softball athlete or catching yourself from falling off a curb. Power is power.”

Those words immediately brought me back to my years coaching Taekwondo.

One of my closest friends and coaching partners spent many years on the Mexican National Team. After retiring from competition, he dedicated himself to developing young athletes. What made his approach unique was that he wasn’t afraid to challenge conventional thinking.

One day, he introduced a training method that very few people were using at the time.

He began having his athletes train on small trampolines.

The criticism came quickly.

People questioned his methods. Some even mocked them on social media. Other instructors wondered why he would spend so much time having athletes jump instead of practicing more traditional drills.

But he believed in what he was doing.

And eventually, the results spoke louder than the criticism.

Within a few years, his school produced more national champions and gold medals than any other single Taekwondo school in Mexico, in a single national tournament! He was later recognized as the Best Sports Coach in Quintana Roo and eventually became the head coach for both the state team and one of the region’s largest universities.

That experience reinforced something I have come to believe deeply.

Power matters.

Not only in sport.

In life.

Power is what helps us react when we trip on a curb.

Power helps us catch ourselves before we fall.

It allows us to lift a child, sprint across a street to help someone, catch a falling object, or move quickly when life demands an immediate response.

This is one of the reasons I value kettlebell training so highly.

Exercises like the kettlebell swing, clean, and snatch develop explosive hip power while strengthening the entire body. But they are not the only tools. Jumping, sprinting, throwing, crawling, and other natural human movements all help us preserve one of our greatest physical gifts: the ability to move with speed and force.

There is a term that has become increasingly important in the world of aging research.

Many people have heard of sarcopenia, the gradual loss of muscle mass as we grow older. The closely related concept of power loss, sometimes referred to as powerpenia, which describes the decline in our ability to generate force quickly.

Research suggests that power often declines even faster than strength as we age.

The encouraging news is that we can train it.

We can challenge it.

We can preserve it.

Every powerful swing.

Every jump.

Every sprint.

Every explosive movement is an investment in the future version of ourselves.

Let’s continue building strength.

Let’s continue developing power.

And let’s continue becoming the strongest, most capable versions of ourselves, together.

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Don’t Forget Your Foundation

Over the last few newsletters, we’ve talked about the importance of the feet—walking barefoot when appropriate, strengthening our foundation, and respecting the incredible work our feet do every day.

Recently, I came across an excellent report featuring Dr. Jay Dicharry, a professor in the Oregon State University Physical Therapy Program, that reinforces this idea. Dr. Dicharry explains that our feet contain 26 bones, more than 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments, all working together to provide balance, absorb force, and propel us through every step we take.

He also points out that many common foot problems arise not because our feet are weak by nature, but because they are often underused, poorly trained, or suddenly overloaded after long periods of inactivity. Fortunately, these are issues that thoughtful training can often improve.

This is another reason why I place such importance on foot strength, balance, mobility, and natural movement. Strong feet create a strong foundation, and a strong foundation allows the entire body to move with greater confidence, efficiency, and resilience.

Take care of your feet.

They are the only connection between you and the ground, and they faithfully support every step of your journey.

Source: Concepts adapted from the work of Dr. Jay Dicharry, PT, PhD, Professor in the Oregon State University Physical Therapy Program.

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Swing Into Summer Challenge Update

The moment has arrived.

We are on the verge of reaching the summit of our Swing Into Summer Challenge—300 swings.

I have been truly inspired by the way everyone has embraced this challenge. What began as a simple goal has become something much greater: a journey of discipline, consistency, and personal growth.

Over these past weeks, I have watched athletes develop before my very eyes. I’ve seen a deeper understanding of the kettlebell swing, a stronger connection with the body, and a growing ability to generate power with precision, rhythm, and flow. Each session has brought us one step closer to mastering a movement that, in many ways, is a lifelong pursuit.

The perfect swing may never truly be reached—but that is what makes it so rewarding. Every repetition teaches us something new. Every set refines our technique. Every swing builds not only a stronger body, but a stronger mind.

Now, one final challenge awaits.

I can’t wait to see how each of you rises to this last stand and conquers the 300-swing milestone.

Keep swinging.

Keep growing.

The pursuit of mastery is what makes the journey worthwhile.